5 Trees and Shrubs for Autumn Colour

By Clare Foster

07 November 2016

As seen in the wonderful garden of Radcot
House, there are many plants that reach their peak in autumn,
erupting into a blaze of colour. But sometimes less is more,
especially in a small garden where it might simply take a
single specimen tree or shrub to give the wow factor. There are
hundreds of 'good' trees and shrubs for autumnal interest, but
perhaps just a handful of outstanding ones. The following five,
recommended by tree specialists Bluebell
Nursery, are spectacular.

Acer Palmatum 'Osakazuki'

Many of the Japanese maples turn brilliant hues in autumn,
but 'Osakazuki' is one of the best. Eventually forming a small tree
up to 5-6 metres tall, it has bright green leaves in spring that
turn deep, vibrant crimson in autumn. It needs a sheltered spot in
sun or dappled shade, and prefers an acidic soil. On neutral
ground, adding sulphur chips around the base of the tree can help
to acidify the soil (this also applies toCercidiphyllumandLiquidambar).

Cercidiphyllum Japonicum

A spectacular tree that can eventually reach 15
metres,C. japonicum has rounded,
almost heart-shape leaves that are flushed pink when young before
turning bright green in summer. In autumn, it puts on a brilliant
firework display in red, yellow, orange and purple, and as the
leaves fall, they give off a scent of caramelised sugar. Best grown
in a sheltered spot in sun or dappled shade, it prefers an acidic
soil, which intensifies the colour.

Cornus Kousa 'Miss Satomi'

This is often chosen for its summer colour, as it produces
amazing pink bracts in June, but it is just as spectacular in
autumn, when its leaves turn brilliant crimson and orange. An
easy-to-please small tree, it will eventually reach about 5 metres
tall, and needs an open, sunny spot and well-drained, fertile soil
to be at its best.

Liquidambar Styraciflua 'Festival'

A large garden tree growing up to 18 metres, 'Festival' is an
unusual cultivar with leaves that turn a vivid shade of dark red in
autumn. Grown in full sun or light shade, it does best in a moist,
fertile soil and, although it will grow well in most areas, it
produces its brightest autumn colour in lime-free or acidic
soils.

Parrotia Persica 'Felice'

The Persian ironwood tree is known for its beautiful autumnal
tones, most turning shades of orange. But the unusual selection
'Felicie' is different, with darker, crimson-purple leaves that
offer a contrast to other autumn colours. Eventually growing to
about 10 metres, it is happy in sun or light shade in any fertile
soil.

Bare root trees can be planted when dormant in late autumn
and winter, as long as the ground is not frozen. All these
specimens can be found at Bluebell Nursery, which
has its own arboretum and is open Monday-Saturday,
9am-4pm.